Snapshot / Caroline Sleeper

This week I'm so excited to share a little about the lovely Arizona based designer/photographer Caroline Sleeper!

What do you do / tell us about your design & photography work.

I am a freelance designer, photographer, and stylist. I grew up in Southern California, then I spent 2 years living in Seattle before moving to Flagstaff, AZ where I currently live. I love trying new things and going to new places. So much of my photography and design is inspired by the places I've been and people I have met.

Any exciting upcoming projects?

I have so many projects coming in right now and I love it. I think the 2 that I am most excited about are a wedding design package for a couple getting married here in Flagstaff and a re-branding project I am doing for a make-up artist/stylist who is based on the east coast. I've just been so lucky to be connecting with such amazing clients lately!

What does your typical day look like?

I crave consistency, but unfortunately my life is too crazy to have a typical day. I have a part-time "day job" at a small shoe and clothing boutique. Days that I'm not surrounded by clothing I try to dedicate to working on freelance projects and other self-employed duties. Typically, I'll wake up early. I'm an early bird, I love mornings. I'll make myself some tea or coffee and check my emails. Then I'll make a to-do list and get started. Everyday is different because I have such a wide range of different projects. Usually I try to wrap up work by late afternoon and then, being the extrovert that I am, I try to spend some time with friends. I love what I do for a living but more importantly I love the people I get to do life with.

Describe your personal style/favorite places to shop at the moment?

I wear a lot of neutrals. I love black. I love gold. I love cream. Gray. Brown. Etc. I wear a lot of basics. Usually a pair of dark or black jeans, a black shirt, a lighter colored sweater, boots or flats, and a watch. SImple, clean, feminine, consistent. I also always do a cat-eye liner and mascara. I will always love shopping at Anthropologie. I work at Shoes & Such in Flagstaff so of course I love shopping there. I wear Levi's jeans exclusively so that's definitely a fave. Some other classic favorites are, J. Crew, Madewell, Free People, etc. I rarely by anything full price though, I'm a total sale section addict.

Where are you based/What are your favorite local places at the moment?

I'm based in Flagstaff, AZ currently but I'm planning on moving within the next 6-9 months so I'll have to keep you all updated on that. As far as favorite places, I'm a total foodie so the first places to come to mind are all restaurants. Pizzicletta, Criollo, Firecreek Coffee, Diablo Burger, Rendezvous, Fratelli's, Hops on Birch, and The Speakeasy. Flagstaff is such a small unique town that has so much culture for it's size.

What are you currently listening to?

My musical taste is so weird. I have classic favorites like The Avett Bros., Head and the Heart, Kings of Leon, Band of Horses, and City & Colour. But I also love Drake, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Shakey Graves, Cataldo, John Mayer, Ages and Ages, Radical Face, Joe Pug, etc.

What are your favorite blogs and/or sources of inspiration at the moment?

Blogs/People I follow: Darling Magazine, Thoughts by Natalie, A Beautiful Mess, Hello Giggles, Braid Creative, and The Pioneer Woman Cooks.

Thank you, Caroline!

Follow Caroline (website, instagram, etsy, pinterest)

Photos by Milena Mallory (website, instagram)

Snapshot / Beth Kirby

The absolutely lovely Beth Kirby from Local Milk is showing us a look into her gorgeous space and answering a few questions. I couldn't be happier to have her sharing over here today, she's a major talent and her blog is seriously one of my biggest inspirations!

What do you do / tell us about Local Milk.
I'm a freelance writer, photographer, stylist, and recipe developer. I like to think of myself as a renaissance woman, mostly because the alternative would be dilettante. Local Milk is a space inspired by everything from clean sheets to buttermilk, copper kettles to a fine hat. It's a space devoted to curating daily life, from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to all the moments in between. It's for the homebody with wanderlust and the nomadic nester alike; it's about traveling in your back yard and finding home in far away places. It's my hope that it offers a lovely, if momentary, refuge from the anxieties of modern life, and I try to provide readers not only a consistent stream of original, seasonal recipes but ideas for living one day at a time, for being present and discovering beauty in their everyday routines. 

Any exciting upcoming projects?
So many! But I'm pretty excitable, so even the little projects are exciting to me. I'm opening up a little online pop up shop called Sweet Gum Co. featuring southern made & found provisions for the home and kitchen, everything from reclaimed wood breadboards to hand dyed linens to ceramics to vintage items. The opening is tentatively slated for November 1st. I'm also working on a cookbook proposal; hosting a Kinfolk workshop here in Chattanooga, TN in late November; and we're doing a full kitchen renovation with the amazing design team the Jersey Ice Cream Co. to turn in into a space for everything from workshops to photo shoots.

What does your typical day look like?
I wake up begrudgingly (not a morning gal), check my email before my eyes are even fully open (lousy habit), brush my teeth & shower, and then I have my quotidian breakfast; yogurt, fruit, and granola + strong coffee with copious amounts of cream. After that, a typical day can look one of two ways, either I'm cooking and shooting or I'm editing and writing. If I'm cooking and shooting, I spend the day in the kitchen and dining room (which is where I shoot). If not, I spend it tethered to the computer bouncing between Gmail, Word, Lightroom, and Pinterest. I'm kind of ADD. Working on the computer is difficult. I prefer the cooking and shooting days! In the evenings I try to get to a yoga class with my fiancé (he totally goes with me!) & then we sit down for a civilized dinner. I end every single night curled up next to him, watching something on ye olde Netflix & reconnecting after a full day. 

Describe your personal style / where are your favorite places to shop at the moment?
My personal style is boyish, classic yet ecclectic, and extremely low maintenance; I wear clothes that can go seamlessly from market to kitchen to hostess with little to no change. I'm interested in texture and shape, and I don't really go in for bright colors, busy patterns, or overtly feminine looks, though I like to have an element of feminine for contrast, and I've been known to wear the odd red skirt. I've had a hat obsession for the past ten years, and it's still going strong. I own a lot of hats. My most recent purchase was a vintage brown, virgin wool Pendleton wide brim. I mostly live in my imogene + willie Elizabeth jeans (relatively new & I'm so very smitten with them) or vintage Levi's overalls and either Swedish clogs, L.L. Bean duck boots, or my old leather chelsea boots. I believe in tucking your shirt in and I'm not a busy jewelry girl. I Love simple metal work like Odette and Another Feather. My favoritite place to shop is hands down Etsy, and stores like Steven Alan, Need Supply Co., and Joinery are sources of covetous thoughts along with a choice handful of little online shoppes. Currently saving for a Lasso tank by State and an Ace & Jig dress. I usually invest in basics like a well made leather bag, sturdy boots, or tailored pants and for everything else I go vintage. I'd say my new to vintage ratio is about 10/90.

Where are you based / What are your favorite local places at the moment?
I'm based in Chattanooga, TN which is a wonderful place to call home. It's right on the Tennessee River, nestled in the mountains, and it's close to both the country and Birmingham, Atlanta, and Nashville, so I'm never too far from both Appalachia, urban civilization, and an international airport. My favorite local places to eat are Sluggo's (a little vegan diner), Taqueria Jalisco (the best mexican street food), The Purple Daisy (my favorite BBQ sandwich), Lamar's (a dive bar with slap yo momma fried chicken), and Famous Nater's (a food truck with one of the best chef's in town behind it). For shopping hit up the Knitting Mill, Collective Clothing, Fredonia, Warehouse Row, and Sophie's. Also, the Main Street Farmer's Market on Wednesday afternoon is probably my favorite place of all.

What are you currently listening to?
I'm a record collecting music nerd, so that's always a hard question. Lately, I've been listening to old standbys: The Last's L.A. Explosion (just one of the best albums ever), Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, Roland S. Howard, The Nerves, The Modern Lovers, Rachmaninoff, and I'm always up for garage rock, old country music, chansons style french tunes, 80's music, and Phil Spector's Back to Mono. Oh, and I have a weakness for D.J. Khaled's All I Do Is Win feat. Ludacris and Snoop Dogg. It's hilarious, gets me psyched, and reminds me of my little brother. 

What are your favorite blogs and/or sources of inspiration at the moment?
Here's my current line up. Food blogs: The Vanilla Bean Blog, Happyolks, Dash and Bella, {farmette}, The First Mess, For the Love of the South, Hungry Ghost, Manger, LIttle Upside Down Cake, Apt. 2B Baking Co., and Always with Butter. Not food blogs: A Daily Something, Rebekka Seale, Luisa Brimble, Another Feather, Pennyweight, Olivia Rae James, The Blue Hour, and Bleubird.

Also, be sure to follow her Pinterest and Instagram.

Thanks, Beth!

Snapshot / Kate Kipley

This week I'm so excited to share a short interview with Kate Kipley, one of my favorite instagrammers. She's got such rad style and the most beautiful photos of her adventures. Go check her out! @katekipley on Instagram and here on VSCO Grid.

What do you do?
I'm a student at Azusa Pacific University (Majoring in Liberal studies with a concentration in Abnormal Psychology), I'm a nanny, I volunteer in a 4th grade class, and I do styling at Madewell.

Any exciting upcoming projects?
YES! I've been planning on starting a blog/visual documentation of some of my kitchen adventures/misadventures with my boyfriend.

What does your typical day look like?
Busy. Between school, teaching, and juggling two jobs, I hardly have down time.
During the week: I try to start my day with breakfast and a devotional. I'm not one of those people who can go all day without eating, I need food (& coffee) in the morning. Then, I (frantically) rush to school or work.
On the weekends: I tend to get out of town as much as possible to explore, relax, and get inspired. I love being outside, discovering new places and snapping photos of some of these moments.
During my "down time" I like to back, cook, eat, and explore new places.

Describe your personal style/favorite places to shop at the moment?
I usually shop at thrift stores. Constantly being around kids has taught me not to get too attached to clothes. My wardrobe consists of chambrays, jeans, and easy tees.

What are you currently listening to?
My boyfriend makes killer playlists. I usually boogie to those. (You can find them on his Rdio)

What are your favorite blogs and/or sources of inspiration at the moment?
I get most of my inspiration being outside or eating different types of food. I like to put myself in unknown situations. My photography is just capturing little moments of my day.

Thanks Kate!

Snapshot / Jules Fuller

Today we've got the lovely Jules Fuller from Lawn Party! I've been following her blog for a few years now and she's got some seriously amazing taste! Be sure to follow Lawn Party on tumblr and her Pinterest!

What do you do?

The most important thing I do is stay at home with my 2 year old son. Then when I have time  I search for the up and coming designers/ makers and dream about some of my old favorites. When I fall head over heels I write about them on my fashion blog, Lawn Party. Lawn Party started over 3 years ago really as a huge bookmark for me about my favorites. Then people actually started reading it and it has grown into something I never thought it could.

Any exciting upcoming projects?

I recently co-hosted the opening party for the Madewell store that just opened in Boulder.  I had so much fun and am super flattered they asked me to do it. As of right now, I am just letting things happen as they come my way.

What does your typical day look like?

My typical day is usually all over the place. I am not good at staying at home, so Riley and I are usually on the go. However on most days, we try to start our day with a hike, then I blog a bit, some kiddo play time, and then I usually end it with a glass of wine with my amazing husband.

Describe your personal style/favorite places to shop at the moment?

I feel like I am finally at the place of quality over quantity. I  am at the place I have been striving to be at when it comes to my style. Right now I can usually be found in basics, denim, and great leather. I am really letting my accessories really tell the story right now.

I am in love with the new Madewell denim right now. I have three pairs and they all fit like a glove. I just got an amazing Moto jacket from Need Supply that is the perfect layer for fall.

Favorite local places at the moment?

I love to go to Nod & Rose to see the latest from Ace & Jig and just to hang out with the totally rad couple that opened their store less than a year ago. I am really looking forward to the opening of Cedar & Hyde in October. They are going to be carrying some of my favorites that I often blog about.

I am really just loving Boulder at the moment. I love the beauty of it and the ability to be on a hike in no time. I am constantly shocked everyday by the beauty of this town and feel really lucky that we are able to raise our son here. 

What are you currently listening to?

Honestly I am listening to a whole lot of Justin Timberlake right now. Old and new!  Also, when the seasons change and fall comes I tend to listen  to Fleetwood Mac.  Hearing Stevie Nicks voice  reminds me of fall and almost makes saying good bye to summer not so bad. 

What are your favorite blogs and/or sources of inspiration at the moment?

Pennyweight is a go to for me! Elise is so sweet with such amazing taste and style. I pretty much love everything that Christine from Young Frankk pins on Pinterest.  I also always am curious to see what is currently inspiring Bridge & Burn and wit & delight, as well!

Snapshot / Gillian Stevens

For this week's snapshot post we've got the lovely Gillian Stevens. A photographer and style blogger based in Vancouver, BC. 

What do you do?

My goal is to pursue my photography full time, and so I have been doing anything and everything to try and make that possible. I have always been very creative, but photography is where all of my creativity reaches new heights. It constantly excites me - and I always want to do more and more. I actually really detest blogging, but it seems like the easiest way to get my work out there, and is an outlet for me to share my projects and further develop my skills. I also love how it can connect me to other amazing artists and creatives.

Any exciting upcoming projects?

I write a blog called Part & Parcel with my friend Jennifer Moss, who is an amazingly talented girl and creative genius. The work we do together is continually developing and we have been able to be part of some really cool projects. It seems like we never want to do the same thing twice and therefore all the projects we take on are new and exciting.
Aside from Part & Parcel, I am working on some really exciting photoshoots that are taking me out of my "normal" element. It's great. I love different.

How would you describe your style?

My style is sometimes hard to pinpoint and can change from day to day. However, I like to think that words such as feminine, vintage, eclectic, flowy, classic, earth toned, and pattern could be used to describe it. Right now I am very inspired by Eastern European style, as well as everything oversized. There's something very classy and feminine about loose fitting garments. I don't know exactly how to describe it - but I love it!

I found this amazing dress at a vintage store in Gastown (Community) and haven't been able to wear much else since! The sweater is from a favourite local store, Loft 82, my bracelet is 31 Bits, necklace from anthr, and my gold ring is from Charlie & Lee.

Favorite local places at the moment?

My husband and I just moved to an amazing new community close to downtown Vancouver, and we are loving every inch of it. There are so many cool restaurants and coffee shops to visit - not to mention amazing local beaches that I can't seem to stay away from. Running along the sea wall in the mornings is probably one of my favourite things about where I live. I always feel so inspired and exhilarated after my exercise! I also have been in love with the salads from Finches, and the coffee from Culprit.

What are you currently listening to?

My running playlist is pretty much filled with Justin Timberlake and Imagine Dragons. John Mayer's new songs Dear Marie and Wild Fire are great for photo editing. This playlist (I know the name is so awful - but I swear it's a good mix! - haha). And some Ella Fitzgerald while I am cooking dinner. 

Thanks Gillian! 
**Also be sure to check out her super gorgeous instagram feed!

Snapshot / Kara Haupt

So, I'm really excited to bring back my snapshot column! I love learning about talented people and sharing their work. This week we've got Kara Haupt from the blog I Just Might Explode. I found this blog a few years back and I absolutely love it. Kara is a graphic designer and an amazing photographer with a really cool aesthetic. 

What do you do?

My name is Kara Haupt. I'm in school right now to become a graphic designer and in my extra time I blog, do freelance design, and make art journaling and photography courses for my store Classes Kara Made. I Just Might Explode is my personal blog — I blog mostly about my life, art school, and creative challenges I give myself. 

Any exciting upcoming projects?

I am currently working on a new course for Classes Kara Made. I can't talk about it yet, but it's gonna be pretty great (if I can say so myself). I'm teaming up with a talented videographer friend to create a promo video and I'm super excited about that. I am also looking forward to school starting again in September. I miss my design classes!

How would you describe your style?

Style and design-wise, I really like soft, elegant colors (with some neon yellow thrown in), along with detailed, but simple features. Clothing and decor-wise, I really love neutrals and pretty much only buy white, gray, or black clothes. In the photo I'm wearing a thrifted shirt, Urban Outfitters high-waisted pants, and Indie and Chic necklace. 

Favorite local places at the moment?

I currently really love Ruby Jewels Scoops, Blue Star Donuts, and walking along the SW Portland waterfront for my evening walk. 

What are you currently listening to?

Oh man. I listen to music all day while I work, so I'm constantly switching it around. Right now I am loving Gregory Alan Isakov's new album, The Weatherman along with Sarah Jaffe, Justin Timberlake, Cold Specks, Lauryn Hill, Taylor Swift, and Kacey Musgraves. 

Talented People / Daniel Kim Photography

Lately I've been wanting to get back to posting about local/independent artists and designers. This week will be the first of a (hopefully) regular column aptly titled 'talented people'. I recently became familiar with the work of Phoenix based wedding & portrait photographer Daniel Kim through a friend and I quickly became obsessed with his everyday/portrait photography style. So dang good. Anyway, you can find the rest of his work here and follow his instagram and facebook, which I highly recommend you do asap!

Snapshot... Amy Radcliffe

This week's snapshot post features Amy Radcliffe, a Tempe, AZ based illustrator, painter and all around amazing artist!

What do you do?

"I am 1/2 nanny, 1/2 freelance artist/illustrator"

Any upcoming projects that you are excited about?

"I just finished designing a poster for the Movember campaign for Blinktank, so I'm very excited for that to come out.
Also, the process by which I created that poster, through xerox transfers and various other printing techniques, was a lot
of fun, so I'd like to continue with that style of printmaking in my own work. I'm hoping to begin a project involving some
pretty rad prints of our founding fathers and other American historical figures so keep an eye out for that!

Describe your style in two words...

"Eclectic and free. Eclectic because I can never decide whether my style icon will be Edie Sedgwick or an old man, so
my inspiration changes daily and thus does my eclectic style. Free both because it's important for me to feel comfortable 

in what I wear, and also because I'm thrifty so the closer an item is to free, the better.

What are you listening to at the moment?

"Down in the Valley by The Head and the Heart, Bird of Sorrow by Glen Hansard, and Ghosts of What We Knew by 

Mumford & Sons."

Also, be sure to follow Amy (@amyrad) on instagram (she has the most amazing photos and adventures!)

Thanks Amy!

Snapshot... Jessie Snyder

This week's snapshot post features Jessie Snyder, an aspiring interior designer, server, and food blogger.
Check out her amazing vegan recipes over on the Made to Create blog!

Describe your style in two words:
- Comfortable and simple.
What are you wearing?
- An RVCA top, Lucky Brand jeans, earrings from Etsy and an Urban Outfitters bracelet
Top three songs of the moment, go!
- "Run Away" by Sarah Jarosz, "Clean Slate" by M. Ward, and "Washed by the Water" by Needtobreathe.

Thanks Jessie!

Snapshot... Aubreigh Brunschwig

This week I'm super excited to be starting the "Snapshot" column. It'll take a quick look at interesting people I know/meet around the Valley.
We're kicking things off with Aubreigh, an illustrator and freelance graphic designer.
*Also, an occasional videographer who shot this film for my jewelry collection!

Describe your style in two words:

- Classic / Eclectic

What are you wearing?

- Denim shirt gifted from my mother, J Brand jeans via Buffalo Exchange, Madewell flats, and my grandmother's rings.

Top three songs of the moment, go!

- "The Boxer" cover by Mumford & Sons, "Be My Husband" also a cover by Lisa Hannigan and Damian Rice, "Don't Carry it All" by The Decemberists.

Thanks Aubreigh!